Method of forming an orthodontic brace
US5139419A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1990 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C13/097
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A model of the teeth in a patient's mouth and a prescription of desired positionings of such teeth are provided by the patient's orthodontist. The contour of the teeth in the patient's mouth is determined, preferably digitally, from the model. Calculations, preferably digital, on the contour and the desired positionings of the patient's teeth are then made to determine the geometry (e.g. grooves) to be provided in brackets for receiving an arch wire to form an orthodontic brace. Such geometry is intended to provide for the disposition of the arched wire on the brackets in a progressive curvature in a horizontal plane and a substantially linear configuration in a vertical plane. The geometry of the brackets is altered (e.g. by cutting grooves in the brackets at individual positions and angles and with particular depths) in accordance with such calculations of the bracket geometry. The brackets may be disposed on the model of the patient's teeth at positions dependent upon such calculations. A mold may be formed of the model of the patient's teeth and the brackets on such teeth. The model and the mold may be shipped to the orthodontist with written instructions for the disposition of…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.